From Nakhon Ratchasima To Stillwater

After signing nearly a full calender year ago, freshman Thitaporn "Tent" Saithip joined the Oklahoma State women's golf program ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Saithip was born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, but has become quite familiar with the United States while playing competitively in the American Junior Golf Association over the past few summers.

During her time in the U.S., Saithip built an impressive amateur record. She won a pair of tournaments in the summer of 2021 and posted five top-10 finishes, despite playing in just 10 tournaments.

Cowgirl assistant coach Maddi Swaney first saw Saithip play at the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship in July of 2021 and was thrilled with what she saw. The coaching staff quickly reached out and Saithip made a strong impression. By November, she had signed to join the program.

When asked what stood out the most about the freshman, Swaney said, "For Tent, it's her personality."

Just as impressive on the course as she is off, head coach Greg Robertson noted her work ethic and dependable playing ability.

"Tent is just pretty consistent with her game," Robertson explained. "She doesn't do anything flashy with her game, but you add them up and it's usually pretty low."

Like all freshmen, Saithip experienced some difficulties leaving home behind for college.

She attributes her relationships with her teammates and coaches, however, for helping her get past those initial growing pains.

"I was struggling a little bit that first week," Saithip said. "But, I got good teammates and they helped me. And then, all the coaches helped me, too."

Since finding her footing on campus, Saithip has continued the outstanding play that brought her to Stillwater.

She qualified for the starting lineup of the team's season-opening tournament, the Carmel Cup, at the distinguished Pebble Beach Golf Links. Despite the big stage, and it being her collegiate debut, Saithip put together a stellar weekend, shooting a solid 1-over and finishing 10^th.

"I was not nervous at all," Saithip said. "That was an amazing course, and I'm so happy that I had the chance to play at that one… I told myself to go have fun and play."

Saithip joins fellow freshman Cecilie Leth-Nissen as the two newcomers on the 2022-23 Cowgirl squad.

For more information on Saithip and the Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

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